Artwork

Old East India Wharf at London Bridge

Old East India Wharf at London Bridge, by Samuel Scott, watercolor, 1720
Old East India Wharf at London Bridge, by Samuel Scott, watercolor, 1720

Old East India Wharf at London Bridge is a watercolor work on paper by the Baroque artist Samuel Scott. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Old East India Wharf at London Bridge is a watercolour painting by Samuel Scott, dated to 1720, capturing a serene wharf scene in the heart of London.

Subject & Meaning

The painting focuses on the everyday activity at the wharf, juxtaposing a dominant building with a humble wooden cart and a resting dog, conveying a sense of tranquil, mundane life.

Technique & Style

Executed in watercolour, the piece features a light-tinted background, with the cart and dog prominently rendered in the foreground, contrasting with the looming building, characteristic of Scott's detailed, observational approach.

History & Provenance

Created in 1720 by Samuel Scott, a painter recognized for his meticulous depictions of ordinary London scenes, the work's specific ownership history prior to its current location is not detailed here.

Context

This painting reflects 18th-century London's commercial and daily life, with the East India Wharf being a hub of maritime trade, contextualizing Scott's interest in documenting the city's functional landscapes.

Legacy

While not individually renowned, the painting contributes to Samuel Scott's body of work that collectively preserves the visual heritage of early 18th-century London, influencing later artists in depicting urban realism.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Samuel Scott

Artist

Samuel Scott

Samuel Scott (1702–1772) was an artist, born in London.